ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD
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BODY POLITIC by Jack Archibald, Atlantic Highlands Councilman

Contact Jack Archibald jack@ahherald.com View archive

FRIENDS OF THE ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS LIBRARY HAS BRIGHT FUTURE

Atlantic Highlands has such a wide variety of community minded volunteer groups, that one is bound to omit one organization when compiling a list. The town has a rich history of neighbors coming together for good causes- PTA’s, Lions Club, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fire Department, and church groups. This past week, a brand new organization held their first formal meeting.

Led by a group of refugees from the Atlantic Highlands Scenic Five Mile run, the Friends of the Atlantic Highlands Library wowed a group of residents Tuesday night with their enthusiasm and vision. The group, led by President Linda Lucas, spoke of their mission for the library and discussed ideas that are aimed to enhance our local library. The Friends of the Library is a non political, charitable organization whose purpose is to enhance our current staff with reading programs, book sales, fundraisers, and any other assistance that may be needed. The Friends are not involved with setting policy of the library, and their activities come with full blessing of the current library board.

The Friends group is armed with ideas. One of their first goals is to increase membership of the current library, and their goal of 2005 members by the end of 2005 is within striking distance. They have also pledged to run the annual book sale for the library, and will continue to host the end of the summer reading party for our youths. There was some discussion about expanding the reading program to Saturdays, and providing book delivery’s to residents that might not otherwise be able to visit the library. A possible fundraiser is the raffle of a “get out of jail free card” which would give the winner a free pass on overdue fines for the upcoming year.

Fortunately, Mrs. Lucas and Librarian Marilyn Scherfin are not going down this path alone. The other Friends officers include residents Kristen Heisey, Gwen Reynolds and Cecilia Bellomo. Each of these ladies have been active in the formation of the group and have put countless hours into getting the Friends to this point. Atlantic Highlands residents will be hearing more about the Friends in the coming months, but if you can’t wait, stroll down to the library and volunteer your time. The Friends will welcome you with open arms, and you can become part of an organization with a bright future.